Did escalating geopolitical risk shake global stock markets? Evidence from the June 2025 Israel–Iran conflict

This study examines the impact of the June 2025 Israel–Iran conflict on global stock markets. Country-wise results indicate the vulnerability of several Eurozone nations to this event, attributable to their heavy reliance on oil imports. Panel market results show the severity of this geopolitical shock for all the panels examined, underscoring the critical role of geopolitical events in shaping investor sentiment and stock market performance. Cross-sectional analysis reveals that stock markets in happier nations and in countries that have progressed toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals have greater resilience to the negative impact of conflict events.